CureCancer Platform Facilitates Patients’ Self-Data Recording, Treatment Adherence and “Distancing Interventions”. A Feasibility and Satisfaction Study
1. A study assessed the feasibility and satisfaction of CureCancer, a digital platform allowing cancer patients to self-report medical data and communicate with physicians.
2. 159 patients from 9 centers enrolled; 144 registered and 114 completed questionnaires on demographics, disease, treatment and platform usability. Most were university-educated with breast or lung cancer.
3. Patients reported registration and communication via the platform was largely easy and preferred over traditional methods. Improved access, communication, adherence and distancing interventions were highlighted.
My talk at the Scientific Research Day of Medical colleges, UQU
5 March 2019
where I presented my publication (Patient-Centered Pharmacovigilance: A review)
Participation of the population in decisions about their health and in the pr...Pydesalud
Póster presentado por Lilisbeth Perestelo en el congreso Summer Institute for Informed Patient Choice (SIIPC14) celebrado del 25 al 27 de junio de 2014 en Dartmouth, Hanover (EEUU). Web: http://siipc.org
Contacto: lperperr@gobiernodecanarias.org
Presentation by Dr. Adam Dicker, SVP, Chair, Radiation Oncology, Jefferson University Health System- Perspectives on Data for Cancer Clinical Trials by Engaging patients.
My talk at the Scientific Research Day of Medical colleges, UQU
5 March 2019
where I presented my publication (Patient-Centered Pharmacovigilance: A review)
Participation of the population in decisions about their health and in the pr...Pydesalud
Póster presentado por Lilisbeth Perestelo en el congreso Summer Institute for Informed Patient Choice (SIIPC14) celebrado del 25 al 27 de junio de 2014 en Dartmouth, Hanover (EEUU). Web: http://siipc.org
Contacto: lperperr@gobiernodecanarias.org
Presentation by Dr. Adam Dicker, SVP, Chair, Radiation Oncology, Jefferson University Health System- Perspectives on Data for Cancer Clinical Trials by Engaging patients.
Recruitment Metrics from TogetherRA: A Study in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients...John Reites
DIA poster presentation on May, 30, 2013 for a direct-to-patient RA patient study that collected ePRO, medical chart data and a biologic lab sample from 23andMe with integration for final analysis.
A Study on Patient Satisfaction towards Cancer Hospitalijtsrd
A cancer diagnosis places considerable stress on patients and their families. They find themselves discomfort with the strange health system making serious decisions with long term consequences living with uncertainness about the nature, cause and indefinite progress of the disease living with a disrupted family, work, social life and facing the possibility of becoming increasingly dependent on others. Dhivya. S | Harshath. S "A Study on Patient Satisfaction towards Cancer Hospital" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-3 | Issue-6 , October 2019, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd29274.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/management/consumer-behaviour/29274/a-study-on-patient-satisfaction-towards-cancer-hospital/dhivya-s
INFORMATION SHARING AND SHARED DECISION MAKING IN CLINICAL .pptxSuryansh Agrawal
Important of information sharing is vital to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. The decisions about how much information to share, with whom and when, can have a profound impact on individuals' lives. It could ensure that an individual receives the right services at the right time
V O L U M E 3 4 - N U M B E R 4 - F A L L 2 0 1 6 187FEATURE ART.docxkdennis3
V O L U M E 3 4 , N U M B E R 4 , F A L L 2 0 1 6 187
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Nurse Practitioner Perceptions of a Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool in the Retail Clinic Setting Kristen L. Marjama, JoAnn S. Oliver, and Jennifer Hayes
Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States, burdening society with
high costs for treatment and placing increased demand on the health care system (1). According to the 2014 National Diabetes Statistics Report, an estimated 29.1 million people in the United States have diabetes, and 8.1 million of them are undiagnosed (2). The lack of screening for early identification of patients at risk for type 2 diabetes is a significant clin- ical problem. Health care providers (HCPs) need to be aware of the in- creasing diabetes burden and to pri- oritize the screening of patients who may be at risk. Screening for risk can aid in both efforts to prevent the development of diabetes and early management of the disease to reduce complications. Clinical trials have demonstrated that type 2 diabetes can be delayed or prevented through life- style modification or pharmacother- apy for people at increased risk (3).
In order to reduce risk for those at risk of developing diabetes, screen- ing is a priority that will raise patient
awareness. Many patients are not aware of their risk for type 2 dia- betes until they receive a confirmed diagnosis from their HCP. There are numerous health care settings in which screenings can be imple- mented, including but not limited to primary care practices, urgent care centers, hospital emergency depart- ments, and retail health clinics.
Retail clinics are located in retail supermarket and pharmacy chains to provide high-quality, affordable, and easily accessible health care services for communities. A true measure of quality in retail clinics is their degree of adherence to several measures iden- tified in the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (4). Services in this type of setting may include treatment of acute episodic conditions, physical examinations, vaccinations, health screenings, and prevention and management of chronic conditions (5). Retail clinics provide services to patients with or without insurance or a primary care “home.†Patients’ visits to a retail clinic afford the opportunity to assess
■IN BRIEF This article describes a study to gain insight into the utility and perceived feasibility of the American Diabetes Association’s Diabetes Risk Test (DRT) implemented by nurse practitioners (NPs) in the retail clinic setting. The DRT is intended for those without a known risk for diabetes. Researchers invited 1,097 NPs working in the retail clinics of a nationwide company to participate voluntarily in an online questionnaire. Of the 248 NPs who sent in complete responses, 114 (46%) indicated that they used the DRT in the clinic. Overall mean responses from these NPs indicated that they perceive the DRT as a feasible tool in the retail cli.
Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy among HIVPositive Patients in Central Hos...Efe Clement Abel
Abstract: Adherence is the quantified level to which an individual follows a prescribed treatment and a low level of adherence to antiretroviral therapy(ART) adversely affects a patient’s treatment outcome and results in a rebound of plasma viraemia, development of resistant strains of HIV, more rapid immune deterioration, development of AIDS and death. This study is aimed at assessing the level of adherence to ART among HIV-positive patients assessing care in Central Hospital, Warri, Delta State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study. Data were obtained using a semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 23. A total of 303 persons were recruited for the study. The mean age of respondents was 36.2±10.8years. Less than half of the subjects (45.5%) were adherent to their ART. Among the non-adherent subjects, the common reasons reported for missing doses of ART were forgetfulness (50.9%), too busy with other things (43.6%) and away from home (35.8%). This study showed that adherence to ART among the study population was poor. Forgetfulness, too busy with other things and being away from home were the most common reason for non-adherence. It is, therefore, recommended that; regular health education should be organised for HIV patients on ART on the importance of being adherent to their ART, regular assessment of adherence to ART should be carried out and a method of reminding patients who are non-adherent to ART on the need to take their ART as at when due should be considered as part of the routine services provided by ART centres.
Early diagnosis and prevention enabled by big data geneva conference finale-Marefa
The presentation provides an overview of how digital health or use of data processing and telecommunication infrastructure can contribute to the early diagnosis and prevention of diseases.
Taking away taboos and assist the people who grief: Living a long, happy and ...eshaasini
grief may encompass various symptoms and can be re- garded as a specific, severe form of sorrow. People being circum- vented by the right people and atmosphere, generally experience less difficulties while going through the different phases that em- brace bereavement compared to people who are not. It suggests that besides approaching the symptoms associated with grief, the social elements to combat grief are rather important too. Although social support is acknowledged to be helpful during (traumatic) grief, little information is available about the type of support and behavior that is considered helpful.
Involvement of Interleukin-6 induced PI3K/Akt/mTor pathway in the regulation ...eshaasini
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is an invasive cancer. Alphafoetoprotein (AFP) is a diagnostic marker for HCC directly related to the disease agressivity. Telomerase, is expressed by 90% of HCC. PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway wich is regulated by IL-6 is activated in the HCC. Our aim is to investigate the effect of IL-6 on AFP and telomerase secretion in HepG2/C3A and PLC/ PRF/5 cell lines.
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Recruitment Metrics from TogetherRA: A Study in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients...John Reites
DIA poster presentation on May, 30, 2013 for a direct-to-patient RA patient study that collected ePRO, medical chart data and a biologic lab sample from 23andMe with integration for final analysis.
A Study on Patient Satisfaction towards Cancer Hospitalijtsrd
A cancer diagnosis places considerable stress on patients and their families. They find themselves discomfort with the strange health system making serious decisions with long term consequences living with uncertainness about the nature, cause and indefinite progress of the disease living with a disrupted family, work, social life and facing the possibility of becoming increasingly dependent on others. Dhivya. S | Harshath. S "A Study on Patient Satisfaction towards Cancer Hospital" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-3 | Issue-6 , October 2019, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd29274.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/management/consumer-behaviour/29274/a-study-on-patient-satisfaction-towards-cancer-hospital/dhivya-s
INFORMATION SHARING AND SHARED DECISION MAKING IN CLINICAL .pptxSuryansh Agrawal
Important of information sharing is vital to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. The decisions about how much information to share, with whom and when, can have a profound impact on individuals' lives. It could ensure that an individual receives the right services at the right time
V O L U M E 3 4 - N U M B E R 4 - F A L L 2 0 1 6 187FEATURE ART.docxkdennis3
V O L U M E 3 4 , N U M B E R 4 , F A L L 2 0 1 6 187
F E
A T
U R
E A
R T
IC L
E
Nurse Practitioner Perceptions of a Diabetes Risk Assessment Tool in the Retail Clinic Setting Kristen L. Marjama, JoAnn S. Oliver, and Jennifer Hayes
Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States, burdening society with
high costs for treatment and placing increased demand on the health care system (1). According to the 2014 National Diabetes Statistics Report, an estimated 29.1 million people in the United States have diabetes, and 8.1 million of them are undiagnosed (2). The lack of screening for early identification of patients at risk for type 2 diabetes is a significant clin- ical problem. Health care providers (HCPs) need to be aware of the in- creasing diabetes burden and to pri- oritize the screening of patients who may be at risk. Screening for risk can aid in both efforts to prevent the development of diabetes and early management of the disease to reduce complications. Clinical trials have demonstrated that type 2 diabetes can be delayed or prevented through life- style modification or pharmacother- apy for people at increased risk (3).
In order to reduce risk for those at risk of developing diabetes, screen- ing is a priority that will raise patient
awareness. Many patients are not aware of their risk for type 2 dia- betes until they receive a confirmed diagnosis from their HCP. There are numerous health care settings in which screenings can be imple- mented, including but not limited to primary care practices, urgent care centers, hospital emergency depart- ments, and retail health clinics.
Retail clinics are located in retail supermarket and pharmacy chains to provide high-quality, affordable, and easily accessible health care services for communities. A true measure of quality in retail clinics is their degree of adherence to several measures iden- tified in the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (4). Services in this type of setting may include treatment of acute episodic conditions, physical examinations, vaccinations, health screenings, and prevention and management of chronic conditions (5). Retail clinics provide services to patients with or without insurance or a primary care “home.†Patients’ visits to a retail clinic afford the opportunity to assess
■IN BRIEF This article describes a study to gain insight into the utility and perceived feasibility of the American Diabetes Association’s Diabetes Risk Test (DRT) implemented by nurse practitioners (NPs) in the retail clinic setting. The DRT is intended for those without a known risk for diabetes. Researchers invited 1,097 NPs working in the retail clinics of a nationwide company to participate voluntarily in an online questionnaire. Of the 248 NPs who sent in complete responses, 114 (46%) indicated that they used the DRT in the clinic. Overall mean responses from these NPs indicated that they perceive the DRT as a feasible tool in the retail cli.
Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy among HIVPositive Patients in Central Hos...Efe Clement Abel
Abstract: Adherence is the quantified level to which an individual follows a prescribed treatment and a low level of adherence to antiretroviral therapy(ART) adversely affects a patient’s treatment outcome and results in a rebound of plasma viraemia, development of resistant strains of HIV, more rapid immune deterioration, development of AIDS and death. This study is aimed at assessing the level of adherence to ART among HIV-positive patients assessing care in Central Hospital, Warri, Delta State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study. Data were obtained using a semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 23. A total of 303 persons were recruited for the study. The mean age of respondents was 36.2±10.8years. Less than half of the subjects (45.5%) were adherent to their ART. Among the non-adherent subjects, the common reasons reported for missing doses of ART were forgetfulness (50.9%), too busy with other things (43.6%) and away from home (35.8%). This study showed that adherence to ART among the study population was poor. Forgetfulness, too busy with other things and being away from home were the most common reason for non-adherence. It is, therefore, recommended that; regular health education should be organised for HIV patients on ART on the importance of being adherent to their ART, regular assessment of adherence to ART should be carried out and a method of reminding patients who are non-adherent to ART on the need to take their ART as at when due should be considered as part of the routine services provided by ART centres.
Early diagnosis and prevention enabled by big data geneva conference finale-Marefa
The presentation provides an overview of how digital health or use of data processing and telecommunication infrastructure can contribute to the early diagnosis and prevention of diseases.
Similar to CureCancer Platform Facilitates Patients’ Self-Data Recording, Treatment Adherence and “Distancing Interventions”. A Feasibility and Satisfaction Study (20)
Taking away taboos and assist the people who grief: Living a long, happy and ...eshaasini
grief may encompass various symptoms and can be re- garded as a specific, severe form of sorrow. People being circum- vented by the right people and atmosphere, generally experience less difficulties while going through the different phases that em- brace bereavement compared to people who are not. It suggests that besides approaching the symptoms associated with grief, the social elements to combat grief are rather important too. Although social support is acknowledged to be helpful during (traumatic) grief, little information is available about the type of support and behavior that is considered helpful.
Involvement of Interleukin-6 induced PI3K/Akt/mTor pathway in the regulation ...eshaasini
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is an invasive cancer. Alphafoetoprotein (AFP) is a diagnostic marker for HCC directly related to the disease agressivity. Telomerase, is expressed by 90% of HCC. PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway wich is regulated by IL-6 is activated in the HCC. Our aim is to investigate the effect of IL-6 on AFP and telomerase secretion in HepG2/C3A and PLC/ PRF/5 cell lines.
The Prognostic Model of Differentiation-Related Lncrna Based on Bioinformatic...eshaasini
Differentiation status of glioma cells correlated with prognosis and Tumor-Immune Microenvironment (TIME) in patients with gliomas. This study aimed to identify difDifferentiation status of glioma cells correlated with prognosis and Tumor-Immune Microenvironment (TIME) in patients with gliomas. This study aimed to identify differentiation-related long non-coding RNAs (DRlncRNAs) that can be used to predict the outcome and the response to immunotherapy in patients with gliomas.ferentiation-related long non-coding RNAs (DRlncRNAs) that can be used to predict the outcome and the response to immunotherapy in patients with gliomas.
Involvement of Interleukin-6 induced PI3K/Akt/mTor pathway in the regulation ...eshaasini
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is an invasive cancer. Alphafoetoprotein (AFP) is a diagnostic marker for HCC directly related to the disease agressivity. Telomerase, is expressed by 90% of HCC. PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway wich is regulated by IL-6 is activated in the HCC. Our aim is to investigate the effect of IL-6 on AFP and telomerase secretion in HepG2/C3A and PLC/ PRF/5 cell lines.
Taking away taboos and assist the people who grief: Living a long, happy and ...eshaasini
grief may encompass various symptoms and can be re- garded as a specific, severe form of sorrow. People being circum- vented by the right people and atmosphere, generally experience less difficulties while going through the different phases that em- brace bereavement compared to people who are not. It suggests that besides approaching the symptoms associated with grief, the social elements to combat grief are rather important too. Although social support is acknowledged to be helpful during (traumatic) grief, little information is available about the type of support and behavior that is considered helpful
The ApoB/A-1 ratio is independently associated with subclinical arteriosclero...eshaasini
The ApoB/ApoA-1 (ApoB/A1) ratio is a pre- dictor of atherosclerotic vascular disease. In this study, we aimed to explore whether ApoB/A1 ratio is related to arteriosclerosis parameters, including subclinical atherosclerosis and arterial stiff- ness, in type 2 diabetic patients.
The Meta-Analysis about the Expression and Prognosis of anti-Ro-52, anti-CENP...eshaasini
We constructed the Meta-analysis to evaluate the existing experimental data and obtain the advantages of the three antinuclear antibodies compared with traditional test items using specific data processing methods and evaluated their value in the diagnosis as well as the differential diagnosis of Sjogren's syndrome and systemic sclerosis. During the process of paper collection, we strictly followed the principle of PICOS to screen the literature, trying to include the literature with a large sample size, controversial and influential results which would make the results of this Meta-analysis more valuable. In this study, Revman and Stata software was used for data processing, and the forest map was drawn to analyze the difference in antibody-positive rate, age, and gender distribution, and other factors. At the same time, a funnel plot was used to evaluate the bias of literature results.
Types of Breast Tissues
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Fibrous
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Fibro glandular
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Adipose (Fatty)
What is Tomosynthesis?
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Is a 3 dimensional projection
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Reduces overlapping tissue seen with 2D only
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15 projections are taken with each combo exposure (7.5) (-7.5)
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With an average breast (18*24) 3D dose is 1.34, combo is 2.56 Milligrey. (3 Milligrey FDA) (2D is 1.2)
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Association between β-Blocker Use ...eshaasini
β-blockers are drugs frequently prescribed for various indications in cardiology and for which anticancer properties have been suggested. We aimed to evaluate the association between the use of β-blockers and survival of women with OC.
1.2. Methods: A systematic literature search of relevant databases through September 2020 was conducted to identify studies assessing the association between β-blockers use and prognostic in women with OC. The inverse variance weighting method with random-effects model was used to calculate pooled hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). We assessed the risk of immortal time bias (ITB) and the quality of the studies with the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Subanalyses were performed based on quality scores and the risk for ITB.
IRF5 Promotes the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and is Regulated by...eshaasini
The IRF family of proteins involves in the tumor progression. However, but the functions of IRF5 in the tumorigenesis are largely unknown. Here, IRF5 was found to be up-regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Interfering with IRF5 inhibited the growth and tumorigenic ability of HCC cells. When studying the molecular mechanism, it was found that TRIM35 interacted with IRF5, promoting the ubiquitination and degradation of IRF5. In the clinical specimens of HCC, TRIM35 was negatively correlated with the expression of IRF5. These observations reveal the oncogenic function of IRF5 in the progression of HCC, suggesting that IRF5 is a promising target for the therapy of HCC.
Benefit of Serum-Thymidine Kinase 1 Concentration for Risk Assessment from Ga...eshaasini
Human Thymidine kinase 1 (hTK1), a key enzyme involved in the DNA synthesis during S-phase of the cell cycle and upregulation of cell proliferation, thus it is reliable tumor proliferating biomarker for assessment of tumor proliferation rate in serum and in tissue in oncology. This meta-analysis is investigation whether the serum TK1 concentration(STK1p)based on hTK1-IgY-polyclonal-antibody can provide a benefit for risk assessment from gastric neoplasm progression to gastric carcinoma (GC) as well as for evaluation of treatment effect in GC.
Prognosis of Invasive Micropapillary Carcinoma of the Breast Analyzed by Usin...eshaasini
Invasive micropapillary carcinoma (IMPC) is a rare type of breast cancer with high frequency of regional lymph node metastasis. However, the prognosis of IMPC has remained controversial for decades. We aimed to compare the differences of prognosis between IMPC and Invasive ductal carcinoma(IDC) of the breast by utilizing Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database
Relevant Features and Treatment Options of DLBCL Patients with Late Relapse A...eshaasini
Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) represents the most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and it is a potentially curable disease with the current standard of care of immunochemotherapy with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) especially the addition of rituximab.
Alterations of Gut Microbiota From Colorectal Adenoma to Carcinomaeshaasini
Gut microbiota has been implicated as a critical role in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) and colorectal adenoma (CRA). However, few basic research has revealed the association between gut microbiota and the development of CRA and CRC. We aim to compare the diversity and composition of intestinal flora in CRA and CRC patients, to reveal the changes of intestinal microorganism in the evolution of normal intestinal mucosa-CRA-CRC axis, and to explore potential biomarkers
Clinic Correlation and Prognostic Value of P4HB and GRP78 Expression in Gastr...eshaasini
Prolyl 4-hydroxylase, beta polypeptide (P4HB) and Glucose‑regulated protein 78 (GRP78) represent for poor prognosis of various cancers, while rare research investigate correlation of them. This study aimed to explore correlation and prognostic value of them in gastric cancer
Combined Analysis of Micro RNA and Proteomic Profiles and Interactions in Pat...eshaasini
The Liquid Mass System(LMS) includes an Easy nLC1000 (Thermo Fisher) coupled ultra-high resolution mass spectrometer Orbitrap Fusion Lumos (Thermo Fisher) with a Thermo Fisher electrospray source. Each injection is sent to a preset column (Acclaim PepMap C18, 100 μm x 2 cm, Thermo Scientific) for adsorption at a flow rate of 3 L/min. The sample is then sent to the analyzer column (Acclaim PepMap C18, 75 μm x 15 cm, Thermo Scientific) for separation.
Skeletal muscle channelopathy are rare heterogeneous episodic disorders with marked genotypic and phenotypic variability resulting in periodic paralysis, and falls in young people which often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed due to its rarity, often the symptoms are miscommunicated to the treating phycision due to its episodic nature and not uncommonly physical examination by the time patient attend the clinic or hospital will be unremarkable apart from periodic muscle paralysis where patient will presented to ED with flaccid weakness,
Prevalence of Hpv Infection in the Lekoumou and Niari Departments (Congo Braz...eshaasini
We carried out a descriptive and cross-sectional study over a period of 7 months from January to July 2019 in the department of Lekoumou. 100 women ranging in age from 16 to 73 years old. The variables studied were as follows: age, marital status, level of education, risk factors for the onset of HPV infection, age at first sexual intercourse, number of sexual partners, parity, gesture. The multivariate analysis was done between age, number of level of instruction, parity, age of first sexual intercourse and number of sexual Partners. The statistical analysis and the data processing were carried out by the Excel 2016 software and the graph pad prism version 5 software. The statistical test used was the chi-square test.
The Use of the Infrared Laser Therapy of 890-910 NM for the Treatment Breast ...eshaasini
The experimental studies were conducted with Walker's carcinosarcoma n256 (from the U.S.A. bank), cancer of the mammary gland (RMK-1). Spontaneous –mice with mammary glands cancer (type B). The tasks were as follows: to study the effect of different doses LLLT on the growth of experimental tumors. Evaluation of the effectiveness by applying LLLT in combination with various chemotherapeutic agents
Upper Rectal Cancer: Benefit After Preoperative Chemoradiation Versus Upfront...eshaasini
Upper rectal cancer management is controversial. The present series reports the outcomes of treatment comparing neoadjuvant chemoradiation (NCRT) versus upfront surgery.
These simplified slides by Dr. Sidra Arshad present an overview of the non-respiratory functions of the respiratory tract.
Learning objectives:
1. Enlist the non-respiratory functions of the respiratory tract
2. Briefly explain how these functions are carried out
3. Discuss the significance of dead space
4. Differentiate between minute ventilation and alveolar ventilation
5. Describe the cough and sneeze reflexes
Study Resources:
1. Chapter 39, Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 14th edition
2. Chapter 34, Ganong’s Review of Medical Physiology, 26th edition
3. Chapter 17, Human Physiology by Lauralee Sherwood, 9th edition
4. Non-respiratory functions of the lungs https://academic.oup.com/bjaed/article/13/3/98/278874
Report Back from SGO 2024: What’s the Latest in Cervical Cancer?bkling
Are you curious about what’s new in cervical cancer research or unsure what the findings mean? Join Dr. Emily Ko, a gynecologic oncologist at Penn Medicine, to learn about the latest updates from the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) 2024 Annual Meeting on Women’s Cancer. Dr. Ko will discuss what the research presented at the conference means for you and answer your questions about the new developments.
Acute scrotum is a general term referring to an emergency condition affecting the contents or the wall of the scrotum.
There are a number of conditions that present acutely, predominantly with pain and/or swelling
A careful and detailed history and examination, and in some cases, investigations allow differentiation between these diagnoses. A prompt diagnosis is essential as the patient may require urgent surgical intervention
Testicular torsion refers to twisting of the spermatic cord, causing ischaemia of the testicle.
Testicular torsion results from inadequate fixation of the testis to the tunica vaginalis producing ischemia from reduced arterial inflow and venous outflow obstruction.
The prevalence of testicular torsion in adult patients hospitalized with acute scrotal pain is approximately 25 to 50 percent
Flu Vaccine Alert in Bangalore Karnatakaaddon Scans
As flu season approaches, health officials in Bangalore, Karnataka, are urging residents to get their flu vaccinations. The seasonal flu, while common, can lead to severe health complications, particularly for vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions.
Dr. Vidisha Kumari, a leading epidemiologist in Bangalore, emphasizes the importance of getting vaccinated. "The flu vaccine is our best defense against the influenza virus. It not only protects individuals but also helps prevent the spread of the virus in our communities," he says.
This year, the flu season is expected to coincide with a potential increase in other respiratory illnesses. The Karnataka Health Department has launched an awareness campaign highlighting the significance of flu vaccinations. They have set up multiple vaccination centers across Bangalore, making it convenient for residents to receive their shots.
To encourage widespread vaccination, the government is also collaborating with local schools, workplaces, and community centers to facilitate vaccination drives. Special attention is being given to ensuring that the vaccine is accessible to all, including marginalized communities who may have limited access to healthcare.
Residents are reminded that the flu vaccine is safe and effective. Common side effects are mild and may include soreness at the injection site, mild fever, or muscle aches. These side effects are generally short-lived and far less severe than the flu itself.
Healthcare providers are also stressing the importance of continuing COVID-19 precautions. Wearing masks, practicing good hand hygiene, and maintaining social distancing are still crucial, especially in crowded places.
Protect yourself and your loved ones by getting vaccinated. Together, we can help keep Bangalore healthy and safe this flu season. For more information on vaccination centers and schedules, residents can visit the Karnataka Health Department’s official website or follow their social media pages.
Stay informed, stay safe, and get your flu shot today!
New Directions in Targeted Therapeutic Approaches for Older Adults With Mantl...i3 Health
i3 Health is pleased to make the speaker slides from this activity available for use as a non-accredited self-study or teaching resource.
This slide deck presented by Dr. Kami Maddocks, Professor-Clinical in the Division of Hematology and
Associate Division Director for Ambulatory Operations
The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, will provide insight into new directions in targeted therapeutic approaches for older adults with mantle cell lymphoma.
STATEMENT OF NEED
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare, aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) accounting for 5% to 7% of all lymphomas. Its prognosis ranges from indolent disease that does not require treatment for years to very aggressive disease, which is associated with poor survival (Silkenstedt et al, 2021). Typically, MCL is diagnosed at advanced stage and in older patients who cannot tolerate intensive therapy (NCCN, 2022). Although recent advances have slightly increased remission rates, recurrence and relapse remain very common, leading to a median overall survival between 3 and 6 years (LLS, 2021). Though there are several effective options, progress is still needed towards establishing an accepted frontline approach for MCL (Castellino et al, 2022). Treatment selection and management of MCL are complicated by the heterogeneity of prognosis, advanced age and comorbidities of patients, and lack of an established standard approach for treatment, making it vital that clinicians be familiar with the latest research and advances in this area. In this activity chaired by Michael Wang, MD, Professor in the Department of Lymphoma & Myeloma at MD Anderson Cancer Center, expert faculty will discuss prognostic factors informing treatment, the promising results of recent trials in new therapeutic approaches, and the implications of treatment resistance in therapeutic selection for MCL.
Target Audience
Hematology/oncology fellows, attending faculty, and other health care professionals involved in the treatment of patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL).
Learning Objectives
1.) Identify clinical and biological prognostic factors that can guide treatment decision making for older adults with MCL
2.) Evaluate emerging data on targeted therapeutic approaches for treatment-naive and relapsed/refractory MCL and their applicability to older adults
3.) Assess mechanisms of resistance to targeted therapies for MCL and their implications for treatment selection
Lung Cancer: Artificial Intelligence, Synergetics, Complex System Analysis, S...Oleg Kshivets
RESULTS: Overall life span (LS) was 2252.1±1742.5 days and cumulative 5-year survival (5YS) reached 73.2%, 10 years – 64.8%, 20 years – 42.5%. 513 LCP lived more than 5 years (LS=3124.6±1525.6 days), 148 LCP – more than 10 years (LS=5054.4±1504.1 days).199 LCP died because of LC (LS=562.7±374.5 days). 5YS of LCP after bi/lobectomies was significantly superior in comparison with LCP after pneumonectomies (78.1% vs.63.7%, P=0.00001 by log-rank test). AT significantly improved 5YS (66.3% vs. 34.8%) (P=0.00000 by log-rank test) only for LCP with N1-2. Cox modeling displayed that 5YS of LCP significantly depended on: phase transition (PT) early-invasive LC in terms of synergetics, PT N0—N12, cell ratio factors (ratio between cancer cells- CC and blood cells subpopulations), G1-3, histology, glucose, AT, blood cell circuit, prothrombin index, heparin tolerance, recalcification time (P=0.000-0.038). Neural networks, genetic algorithm selection and bootstrap simulation revealed relationships between 5YS and PT early-invasive LC (rank=1), PT N0—N12 (rank=2), thrombocytes/CC (3), erythrocytes/CC (4), eosinophils/CC (5), healthy cells/CC (6), lymphocytes/CC (7), segmented neutrophils/CC (8), stick neutrophils/CC (9), monocytes/CC (10); leucocytes/CC (11). Correct prediction of 5YS was 100% by neural networks computing (area under ROC curve=1.0; error=0.0).
CONCLUSIONS: 5YS of LCP after radical procedures significantly depended on: 1) PT early-invasive cancer; 2) PT N0--N12; 3) cell ratio factors; 4) blood cell circuit; 5) biochemical factors; 6) hemostasis system; 7) AT; 8) LC characteristics; 9) LC cell dynamics; 10) surgery type: lobectomy/pneumonectomy; 11) anthropometric data. Optimal diagnosis and treatment strategies for LC are: 1) screening and early detection of LC; 2) availability of experienced thoracic surgeons because of complexity of radical procedures; 3) aggressive en block surgery and adequate lymph node dissection for completeness; 4) precise prediction; 5) adjuvant chemoimmunoradiotherapy for LCP with unfavorable prognosis.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN HEALTHCARE.pdfAnujkumaranit
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. It encompasses tasks such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and language understanding. AI technologies are revolutionizing various fields, from healthcare to finance, by enabling machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence.
Title: Sense of Taste
Presenter: Dr. Faiza, Assistant Professor of Physiology
Qualifications:
MBBS (Best Graduate, AIMC Lahore)
FCPS Physiology
ICMT, CHPE, DHPE (STMU)
MPH (GC University, Faisalabad)
MBA (Virtual University of Pakistan)
Learning Objectives:
Describe the structure and function of taste buds.
Describe the relationship between the taste threshold and taste index of common substances.
Explain the chemical basis and signal transduction of taste perception for each type of primary taste sensation.
Recognize different abnormalities of taste perception and their causes.
Key Topics:
Significance of Taste Sensation:
Differentiation between pleasant and harmful food
Influence on behavior
Selection of food based on metabolic needs
Receptors of Taste:
Taste buds on the tongue
Influence of sense of smell, texture of food, and pain stimulation (e.g., by pepper)
Primary and Secondary Taste Sensations:
Primary taste sensations: Sweet, Sour, Salty, Bitter, Umami
Chemical basis and signal transduction mechanisms for each taste
Taste Threshold and Index:
Taste threshold values for Sweet (sucrose), Salty (NaCl), Sour (HCl), and Bitter (Quinine)
Taste index relationship: Inversely proportional to taste threshold
Taste Blindness:
Inability to taste certain substances, particularly thiourea compounds
Example: Phenylthiocarbamide
Structure and Function of Taste Buds:
Composition: Epithelial cells, Sustentacular/Supporting cells, Taste cells, Basal cells
Features: Taste pores, Taste hairs/microvilli, and Taste nerve fibers
Location of Taste Buds:
Found in papillae of the tongue (Fungiform, Circumvallate, Foliate)
Also present on the palate, tonsillar pillars, epiglottis, and proximal esophagus
Mechanism of Taste Stimulation:
Interaction of taste substances with receptors on microvilli
Signal transduction pathways for Umami, Sweet, Bitter, Sour, and Salty tastes
Taste Sensitivity and Adaptation:
Decrease in sensitivity with age
Rapid adaptation of taste sensation
Role of Saliva in Taste:
Dissolution of tastants to reach receptors
Washing away the stimulus
Taste Preferences and Aversions:
Mechanisms behind taste preference and aversion
Influence of receptors and neural pathways
Impact of Sensory Nerve Damage:
Degeneration of taste buds if the sensory nerve fiber is cut
Abnormalities of Taste Detection:
Conditions: Ageusia, Hypogeusia, Dysgeusia (parageusia)
Causes: Nerve damage, neurological disorders, infections, poor oral hygiene, adverse drug effects, deficiencies, aging, tobacco use, altered neurotransmitter levels
Neurotransmitters and Taste Threshold:
Effects of serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) on taste sensitivity
Supertasters:
25% of the population with heightened sensitivity to taste, especially bitterness
Increased number of fungiform papillae
NVBDCP.pptx Nation vector borne disease control programSapna Thakur
NVBDCP was launched in 2003-2004 . Vector-Borne Disease: Disease that results from an infection transmitted to humans and other animals by blood-feeding arthropods, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. Examples of vector-borne diseases include Dengue fever, West Nile Virus, Lyme disease, and malaria.
Title: Sense of Smell
Presenter: Dr. Faiza, Assistant Professor of Physiology
Qualifications:
MBBS (Best Graduate, AIMC Lahore)
FCPS Physiology
ICMT, CHPE, DHPE (STMU)
MPH (GC University, Faisalabad)
MBA (Virtual University of Pakistan)
Learning Objectives:
Describe the primary categories of smells and the concept of odor blindness.
Explain the structure and location of the olfactory membrane and mucosa, including the types and roles of cells involved in olfaction.
Describe the pathway and mechanisms of olfactory signal transmission from the olfactory receptors to the brain.
Illustrate the biochemical cascade triggered by odorant binding to olfactory receptors, including the role of G-proteins and second messengers in generating an action potential.
Identify different types of olfactory disorders such as anosmia, hyposmia, hyperosmia, and dysosmia, including their potential causes.
Key Topics:
Olfactory Genes:
3% of the human genome accounts for olfactory genes.
400 genes for odorant receptors.
Olfactory Membrane:
Located in the superior part of the nasal cavity.
Medially: Folds downward along the superior septum.
Laterally: Folds over the superior turbinate and upper surface of the middle turbinate.
Total surface area: 5-10 square centimeters.
Olfactory Mucosa:
Olfactory Cells: Bipolar nerve cells derived from the CNS (100 million), with 4-25 olfactory cilia per cell.
Sustentacular Cells: Produce mucus and maintain ionic and molecular environment.
Basal Cells: Replace worn-out olfactory cells with an average lifespan of 1-2 months.
Bowman’s Gland: Secretes mucus.
Stimulation of Olfactory Cells:
Odorant dissolves in mucus and attaches to receptors on olfactory cilia.
Involves a cascade effect through G-proteins and second messengers, leading to depolarization and action potential generation in the olfactory nerve.
Quality of a Good Odorant:
Small (3-20 Carbon atoms), volatile, water-soluble, and lipid-soluble.
Facilitated by odorant-binding proteins in mucus.
Membrane Potential and Action Potential:
Resting membrane potential: -55mV.
Action potential frequency in the olfactory nerve increases with odorant strength.
Adaptation Towards the Sense of Smell:
Rapid adaptation within the first second, with further slow adaptation.
Psychological adaptation greater than receptor adaptation, involving feedback inhibition from the central nervous system.
Primary Sensations of Smell:
Camphoraceous, Musky, Floral, Pepperminty, Ethereal, Pungent, Putrid.
Odor Detection Threshold:
Examples: Hydrogen sulfide (0.0005 ppm), Methyl-mercaptan (0.002 ppm).
Some toxic substances are odorless at lethal concentrations.
Characteristics of Smell:
Odor blindness for single substances due to lack of appropriate receptor protein.
Behavioral and emotional influences of smell.
Transmission of Olfactory Signals:
From olfactory cells to glomeruli in the olfactory bulb, involving lateral inhibition.
Primitive, less old, and new olfactory systems with different path
Prix Galien International 2024 Forum ProgramLevi Shapiro
June 20, 2024, Prix Galien International and Jerusalem Ethics Forum in ROME. Detailed agenda including panels:
- ADVANCES IN CARDIOLOGY: A NEW PARADIGM IS COMING
- WOMEN’S HEALTH: FERTILITY PRESERVATION
- WHAT’S NEW IN THE TREATMENT OF INFECTIOUS,
ONCOLOGICAL AND INFLAMMATORY SKIN DISEASES?
- ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND ETHICS
- GENE THERAPY
- BEYOND BORDERS: GLOBAL INITIATIVES FOR DEMOCRATIZING LIFE SCIENCE TECHNOLOGIES AND PROMOTING ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE
- ETHICAL CHALLENGES IN LIFE SCIENCES
- Prix Galien International Awards Ceremony
CureCancer Platform Facilitates Patients’ Self-Data Recording, Treatment Adherence and “Distancing Interventions”. A Feasibility and Satisfaction Study
2. clinicsofoncology.com 2
Volume 6 Issue 3 -2022 Research Article
tion should have the following features:
(1) A well-informed patient, having a direct access to his medical
files, sharing them with cancer care team.
(2) An accurate symptoms’ record, in real world and real-time, to
share with the caring physicians and facilitate early management.
Early initiation of supportive care during disease has been shown
to reduce cancer costs by up to 33% [2, 5, 6]. Furthermore, em-
bedding the patient perspective, using PROs is considered a hall-
mark of quality clinical care and research [7-9]. (3) The potential
to provide a live communication between patients and HCPs and
facilitate patient’s assessment, monitoring and management from
“Tele” (meaning of or across a distance in Greek). Telemedicine is
particularly useful during pandemics and when patients live out-
side the Cancer Center and travelling is not easy due to individ-
uals’ being unwell, work or family/children care and other prob-
lems [10, 11]. (4) The availability of the accurate patient files to
(a) complement clinical trials and assist treatment decision making
and (b) to advise the health care policy and economic modelers.
During the routine dental-oral oncology clinical practice, Dimitra
Galiti faced the difficulties in having access to patients’ medical
history, which limited our ability to provide adequate supportive
patient care. CureCancer was, then, inspired. CureCancer, https://
curecancer.eu//, is a patient-centered and patient-driven, which
enables patients to self-create their medical profile, record their
symptoms, and share files and symptoms with their physicians. It
is in the unique property of each patient. Patients can communicate
with their HCPs with a video call to receive early, safe, and effec-
tive supportive care, at low cost. CureCancer has been assessed
by the Ministry of Research and Innovation and is included in the
“Elevate Greece” list of Innovative Start Ups of the Ministry of
Research and Innovation https://elevategreece.gov.gr/.
In the present study, we aimed to assess the feasibility of Cure
Cancer and the satisfaction of patients’, and oncologists. The on-
cologists were members of the Hellenic Society of Medical Oncol-
ogy, https://www.hesmo.gr/en/. HeSMO is the National Society of
Certified and Qualified Medical Oncologists of Greece.
3. Patients and Methods
3.1. Patients
Eligibility criteria
Patients were included in the study if they were: (1) 18 years of age
or older, (2) diagnosed with cancer at least one month earlier, when
they were well-embarked on a treatment plan, (3) were on active
cancer treatment and thereafter, (4) had over one-year prognosis,
(5) self-reported internet knowledgeable, (6) could understand the
Greek language to read and understand the forms and question-
naire and (7) agreed to sign the information and consent forms.
Patients were excluded if they lacked the capacity to give informed
consent due to psychopathology, cognitive dysfunction, learning
difficulties and other problems.
3.3 Ethical approval
The study was approved by the Committee of Research and Ethics
of all participating Cancer Centers. Eligible patients were invited
to participate in the study and signed an information letter and a
consent form. An electronic consent was also available online.
3.3. Methods
A multicenter, non-randomized prospective cohort study was per-
formed. Collaboration between the Hellenic Society of Medical
Oncology-HeSMO, www.hesmo.gr and the CureCancer, www.
curecancer.eu, was signed in September 2019. HeSMO invited
their members to the study. Oncologists from 9 Cancer Centers re-
sponded and accepted to participate. Eligible consecutive patients
were invited by their oncologist and signed the information letter
and the consent form. Patients were educated about their benefits
when using CureCancer and were given written instructions for
accessing the platform. According to the signed agreement, after
the completion of the study, the data were sent to both HeSMO and
Dimitra Galiti, anonymously and in aggregates.
3.4. Questionnaires
Registered patients completed the Questionnaires 1, 2 and 3. Ques-
tionnaire 1 included questions on patient demographics. Question-
naire 2 included disease characteristics. Questionnaire 3 included
questions of “no or a little” and “much or very much” and “Yes
or No” related to the platform’s feasibility and their satisfaction.
It also included open questions for patients to describe why they
preferred the digital innovation and suggest improvements for the
platform.
Oncologists completed Questionnaire 4. It included questions of
“no or a little” and “much or very much” and “Yes or No” related
to their communication with their patients and other colleagues,
and their clinical practice. It also included open questions to de-
scribe why they preferred the digital innovation and suggest im-
provements for the platform.
3.5. Primary Endpoints
Feasibility assessment
A priori criteria for the feasibility of patients were (a) a rate of
≥70% of patients, who registered of those who signed to partici-
pate, and (b) a rate of ≥70% of the registered patients, who com-
pleted the questionnaire.
Satisfaction assessment
Satisfaction and preferences were extracted from patients’ and
physicians’ responses.
3.6. Secondary Endpoints
Cancer patients’ profile and potential socioeconomic problems,
following cancer diagnosis, were important to further assess the
usefulness of the platform.
3.7. Data Analysis
Patients’ demographics, disease characteristics, therapies, social
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Volume 6 Issue 3 -2022 Research Article
profile, the feasibility, and satisfaction outcomes were primarily
analyzed using descriptive statistics. For categorical variables ab-
solute and relative frequencies were provided, while continuous
variables were described by N, mean and standard deviation or
median and range. Any possible association was investigated us-
ing Chi-square and T test. Open-ended patients’ and oncologists’
feedback and satisfaction questions were examined qualitatively.
Statistical Analysis was conducted in Stata 15.1 [12].
4. Results
4.1. Patients
Patient, disease, and therapy characteristics: 159 patients, be-
tween January to December 2020, were enrolled and 144 of those
(90.56%) registered at the platform. One hundred and fourteen of
all 144 registered patients (79.16%) completed the questionnaire
(Table 1). Sixty-four patients were University graduates, followed
by High School ones. Breast and lung cancers were most common.
Eighty-seven (76.3%) patients were on active cancer therapy, 46
(40.4%) had metastatic disease, and 51 (59.6%) reported receiving
supportive cancer care, including antiemetic medications, medica-
tions for pain relief, and other.
During the study period, all patients reported visiting at least one
non-oncology specialist as well. Forty-seven patients visited 2-9
different non-oncology specialists (Table 1). The total number of
HCPs from different specialties was 208, (mean number per pa-
tient=1.82). The mean number of HCPs was higher, though not
significantly, among patients under active treatment compared
to no current therapy group, 1.92 versus 1.51 (P=0.18). The total
number of visits of each patient to each HCP was not recorded.
Previous Cancer therapies: Eighty-one of the 114 patients
(71.05%) reported having received previous cancer therapies, sur-
gery (n=62), chemotherapy (n=44), radiotherapy (n=5), hormonal
therapy (n=5) and targeted therapy (n=1) (Table 1). Furthermore,
27 patients also recalled receiving supportive care including an-
ti-depressants, pain medications, feeding support and medications
for bone metastases. Fifty patients had received more than one
types of therapy.
Social profile and working status: Nineteen (26.39%) of 72 pa-
tients changed their work status following cancer, 16 (14%) lived
alone and 49 (43%) had children younger than 24 years of age.
Nine (7.9%) patients were members of Patients’Associations (Ta-
ble 2).
Patients’ responses: Of the 114 patients, 98 (86.0%) reported their
registration and use of the platform being “very to very much”
easy. Forty-eight (41.2%) patients reported file uploading as “very
to very much easy”. Ninety (78.9%) patients preferred the digital
way and 99 (86.8%) will introduce it to others (Table 3).
Patients’ comments: 54 patients completed this part of the ques-
tionnaire. They highlighted the easy data access, well organized
data, increased communication with HCPs, feeling safe, treatment
adherence and interventions from distance, particularly during the
covid-19 pandemic, reduced visits to physicians, saving time and
money. (Table 4). Twelve patients asked for a user-friendlier envi-
ronment, 6 had nothing to change, 2 asked to receive newsletters,
one requested for a mobile application, and another complained
of the many questions. One patient “believes” that the platform
should be particularly useful for the people, who live in areas re-
mote from the Cancer Centers, and that all HCPs should collab-
orate. He also suggested the platform to be widely publicized to
HCPs, because they are most responsible for the proper promotion
and effective use and function of the platform.
Table 1: Patient, Disease, Treatment Characteristics, Other HCPs needed, n=114
Parameter N %
Gender
Male 63 55.3
Female 51 44.7
Age Range (n) 23-87 (104)
Median 54.5
Educational status
University 64 56.1
High School 35 30.7
Junior & Elementary School 15 13.2
Cancer type
Breast 23 20.2
Lung 16 14
Head/Neck/Oral 12 10.5
Colorectal 10 8.8
Pancreatic 9 7.9
Other cancers* 16 14
4. clinicsofoncology.com 4
Volume 6 Issue 3 -2022 Research Article
*other cancers: Sarcomas (n=4), Hepatic (n=3), Gastric (n=3), Leukemia (n=2), Multiple Myeloma (n=2), Skin (n=2).
** categories are not mutually exclusive.
Table 2: Social and working status, n= 114
Other, not identified types 23 20.2
Multiple cancers 5 4.4
Patients with metastatic disease 46 40.4
No current therapy 27 23.7
Patients under active cancer therapy
Chemotherapy 48 42.1
Immunotherapy 9 7.9
Targeted therapy 4 3.5
Radiotherapy 4 3.5
Combined therapies 13 11.4
Hormonal treatment 9 7.9
Supportive Care**
No current supportive care 63 55.3
Any Supporitive care 51 44.7
Antiemetics 22 19.3
Pain relief 16 14
Psychological support 15 13.2
Bone Targeting Agents 13 11.4
Feeding support 10 8.8
Visiting other HCPs**
At Least 1 other HCP 144 100
Cardiologist 44 38.6
Dentist and/or Stomatologist 40 35
Dietician 19 16.7
Psychologist/Neurologist 18 15.7
Endocrinologist 11 9.6
Other HCPs 51 44.7
More than 1 HCPs(2-8) 47 41.2
Working prior to cancer diagnosis N %
74 69
Same job continued after diagnosis n=72 N %
Yes 53 59.6
No 19 40.4
Reason for the change/stop working
My contract was not renewed 7 36.9
I changed work due to my therapy 2 10.5
I retired 6 31.6
Not Applicable 4 21
Living
with spouse 88 77.2
In relation 10 8.8
Alone 16 14
Having children under 24
Yes 49 43
No 65 57
Member of cancer patient Associations
Yes 9 7.9
No 105 92.1
5. clinicsofoncology.com 5
Volume 6 Issue 3 -2022 Research Article
Table 3: Patients experience and responses, closed questions, N=114
No / A little Much / Very much
N (%) N (%)
1 Was your registration and CureCancer use easy? 16 (14.0) 98 (86.0)
2 Was it easy to upload your files? 67 (58.8) 47 (41.2)
YES NO
N (%) N (%)
3 Do you prefer the digital way? 90 (78.9) 24 (21.1)
4 Will you recommend CureCancer use to others? 99 (86.8) 15 (13.2)
4.2. Physicians
Eighteen oncologists responded. Most oncologists reported that
CureCancer improved their communication with patients and col-
leagues and minimized their patients’ risk of infection, reducing
unnecessary visits to hospital. All oncologists will continue invit-
ing their patients to use CureCancer (Table 5).
Most oncologists preferred the digital innovation for having fast,
easy, and safe access to well organized data, reducing paperwork,
and space for files/hard copies. Direct, communication, anytime,
from anywhere, easy information access, early reporting of symp-
toms and timely management, and reduced patient burden were
the most important benefits reported. Oncologists suggested a us-
er-friendlier digital environment/access of the platform, the poten-
tial/possibility to collect their patients’ data in aggregates and re-
ceiving a message when a patient uploaded a new file or symptom,
or an alert sign (Table 6).
Table 4: Open Questions-Patients comments on their preferences*, n=54
why do you prefer the digital way and in what way it was useful to you N (%)
Visits with doctors, Communication 26 (48.1)
Reduced visits
Saved money
Saved time
Minimized risk for contacting covid-19
Direct, fast, effective response
I uploaded photos/reports and informed my doctor
Doctor was better informed for my condition
All my doctors could communicate each other and myself
Communicating my experience wi th others
Data/medical history access 54 (92.2)
From anywhere
Easy, I do not carry with me my hard copy examinations
Did not miss data, direct information
Facilitated my treatment adherence
Avoid volume of hard copies
Data well organized at any time
With a click I can see my medications
No need to count days/time for my medications
Well organized treatment plan
What did you like best
Communication 22 (40.7)
The direct communication between patients and physicians
The communication and collaboration of different doctors, at any minute
Feeling secure, I can communicate with my doctor
I Communicated with other patients
Uploading my photos and reports and direct doctor’s response
Digital way 54 (92.2)
Well organized data and examinations
Organized treatment plan
Easy access to me and to all my doctors
Self-reporting my condition and symptoms
Make me feel safe
Easy to use
Reduce inconvenience, visits, travels
*Categories are not mutually exclusive
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Volume 6 Issue 3 -2022 Research Article
Table 5: Physicians experience and responses to CureCancer use, N=18
Table 6: Physicians open questions, comments*, n=18
5. Discussion
5.1. Platform’s Feasibility and Patients’ Satisfaction
CureCancer was feasible, as it was highlighted from the increased
participation of patients (> 80%) who offered us a wealth of pa-
tient-driven information. Importantly, patients highlighted the
sense of safety, treatment adherence, reduced hospital visits and
infection risk, saving time and money and their good communi-
cation with oncologists. Treatment adherence το oral anticancer
agents and supportive care services can highly benefit with tele-
medicine particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, while pa-
tient – doctor communication is an important factor in cancer care
[10, 11, 13, 14]. Receiving newsletters and request for a mobile
application were considered positive comments. Importantly, one
patient highlighted that Medical Oncologists are responsible for
the promotion and effective use of CureCancer.
5.2. Physicians’ Satisfaction
Oncologists were satisfied and commented on the improved com-
munication with patients and colleagues, enhancing their clinical
practice. Cross-sectoral video consultations to enhance continuity
of cancer care received positive comments by oncologists, general
practitioners, and patients in another study [15].
Discussing the patient-reported profile, cancer status and socio-
economic details
As cancer diagnosis and therapy affect different physical, socio-
economic and occupational domains of life, the above information
was thought necessary to assess the overall profile of cancer pa-
tients - users, in this preliminary phase of CureCancer function.
Reason for preference of the digital innovation, n=12 response
Easy, fast, safe access, easy to handle, more accurate data, n=12
organized data, direct communication, n=12
reduced beaurocracy, n=1
reduced filing space, n=1
CureCancer's most important benefit to patients and physicians, n=14 response
Direct, safe communication, anytime from anywhere, n=12
patient has an organized file, with easy access of information by a multidisciplinary team of physicians, n=1
Direct report of toxicity, sense of safety for the patients and better management, n=2
Reduced patent burden, n=1
Changes needed to improve CureCancer's use, n=4 response
Easier, more friendly digital environment and access/visiting of the platform, n=3
Offer of the potential to access the data in aggregates for statistics, n=1
Physicians would like to be informed when a patient has uploaded a new data, n=1
Physicians would like to be informed for an alert sign oy urgent symptom, n=1
*categories are not mutually exclusive
No / A little Much / Very much
N (%) N (%)
1 Did CureCancer use improve communication with your patients? 5 (27.8) 13 (72.2)
2 Did CureCancer use improve your clinical practice? 5 (27.8) 13 (72.2)
3 Did CureCancer use improve your communication with other colleagues? 6 (33.3) 12 (66.7)
4 Did CureCancer reduce your clinical burden? 11 (61.1) 7 (38.9)
5 Did CureCancer reduce your patients’ urgent calls and visits 10 (55.5) 8 (44.4)
6 With CureCancer did you provide advice to your patients without meeting them at the Hospital?, n=16 10 (62.5) 6 (37.5)
7 Did you feel that you minimized your patients’ infection risk, reducing physical visits?, n=16 7 (43.8) 9 (56.2)
YES NO
N (%) N (%)
8 Do you prefer the patient- driven digital way? 15 (83.3) 3 (16.7)
9 Will you continue inviting your patients to use CureCancer? 18 (100) -
7. clinicsofoncology.com 7
Volume 6 Issue 3 -2022 Research Article
Age and level of education: Our patients were about one decade
younger than the global median age of 66 years of cancer patients.
A younger median age was also reported by other digital health
solutions [16-19]. A median age of 63 years, aligned with the glob-
al median cancer rage, was reported in a web-based study, when,
however, patients completed the survey, at the hospital, receiving
assistance, when needed [6, 14]. Most participants, in the present
study, were University and High School graduates, indicating an
association between younger age and digital solutions. A high-
er education level was also related to higher acceptability of the
digital solutions by other investigators [16-19]. Furthermore, in
our study, the percentage of the University graduates was reduced
at the completion of the study, compared to the one assessed 5
months after the initiation of the study (56% versus 61%), while
the High School graduates were increased (30.75 % vs 23%) indi-
cating a push to internet literacy due to the urgent need for digital
solutions because of social distancing, related to the COVID-19
pandemic [20].
Cancer types, status and treatments, supportive care, and care by
non-oncology HCPs: Breast and lung cancers were most common
cancer types, while the lack of prostate cancer reporting was inter-
esting and could be related to the younger age of our cohort [1].
CureCancer was feasible for patients under active treatment and/
or advanced cancer. Almost half of our patients (44.7%) received
supportive care. With appropriate supportive care, patients under
active treatment successfully participated in another digital health
solution [15]. Although disease, users, and treatment character-
istics, reported in the present study, were relatively aligned with
those in the literature, the level of agreement between disease and
treatment characteristics, recorded in the Hospital files and those
self-reported by our patients is not known and this could be the
goal of a next study.
Importantly all patients visited non-oncology HCPs, while about
half of them visited 2-9 HCPs, pointing to a multimorbidity sta-
tus in our cohort. Multimorbidity and associated polypharmacy,
with drug-drug interactions and other adverse events can increase
cancer patient’s toxicity and healthcare burden and highlights the
need for good communication between HCPs [21]. This need for
enhanced communication can be met with the use of CureCancer,
according to the users’ experience and responses.
Working status, social profile, and financial toxicity: Cancer diag-
nosis was related to changes at work, such as retirement, not con-
tract renewal, or job change due to cancer therapy. The negative
consequences of cancer therapy on employment, associated with
financial problems and increased financial toxicity and reduced
Health-Related Quality of Life were also reported by others [22,
23]. The living alone status and children at School can also add to
patients’ burden and financial toxicity [1, 2, 24].
Patient communities: Although patient communities were reported
as the main environment to connect with others and obtain trust-
ed information, few patients, in the present study, participated in
patients’ communities, possibly due to cultural differences [16].
Strengths and weaknesses
CureCancer had a positive impact on cancer supportive care fulfill-
ing most of the qualities for a digital platform to re-form oncology
care, particularly during periods of pandemics [3, 10]. The study is
limited by its feasibility and satisfaction assessment nature.
6. Conclusions
CureCancer was feasible and users were satisfied. Integration of
CureCancer in the routine practice is expected to increase thera-
peutic success and reduce the costs of care. CureCancer can also
map social/work/economic issues following cancer diagnosis, as
patients disclosed, to advise health care policy. The efficiency of
self-reporting of symptoms, in real-time, can also increase the ac-
curacy of clinical trial results and assist treatment decision making.
Patients were successful to report accurate information on their de-
mographics. The level of agreement between the patient-reported
disease and treatment characteristics and the hospital files, remains
to be assessed, particularly when patients are asked to describe
prior cancer therapies, possibly associated with a recall bias. This
investigation could be an interesting purpose of the next project.
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